H2H

Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus vs Intel Core i3-12100E

Full comparison of specs, performance and benchmarks

Aggregate performance score

We've compared Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus and Core i3-12100E across specs and all relevant benchmarks.

Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus outperforms Core i3-12100E by 260% based on our aggregate benchmark results.+260%

Scores are normalized on the Head to Head scale. Higher is better.
QUICK COMPARISON ANALYSIS

Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus vs Intel Core i3-12100E: key takeaway

The comparison of Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus and Core i3-12100E shows a 267% advantage for Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus in gaming performance, while Core i3-12100E may still be stronger in efficiency and feature set. Use the sections below to check whether that lead comes from real FPS, specifications, efficiency, price or platform features.

SUMMARY PROFILE

Verified-metrics radar

Axes with missing data are hidden; every value uses a fixed scale.

H2H
Performance
Single-core
Multi-core
L3 cache
Efficiency
Performance
339
Single-core
8872
Multi-core
5614
L3 cache
10
Efficiency
2613
Missing values are never replaced with zero or an average.Model: H2H 2026.07 fixed scale.
COMPARISON RESULT

Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is the best overall choice

Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus leads in overall performance, while Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus offers better price-to-performance. Check results in your applications before making the final choice.

PERFORMANCE DIFFERENCE210%

Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus leads in the combined performance index

PRICE DIFFERENCE$173

Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus costs less

OVERALL SCORE

Overview

Scores are calculated from specifications, performance, and efficiency.

The Summary score section compares Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus and Core i3-12100E with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

CategoryCore Ultra 5 250KF PlusCore i3-12100E
GamesDirectX, OpenCL, and Vulkan performance
33Better
9
Professional applications3D modeling, video editing, and rendering
30Better
13
AI and machine learningMachine-learning and AI capabilities
28Better
10
Power efficiencyPower consumption across workloads
26Better
13
Head to Head scoreOverall catalog score
31Better
10
FULL COMPARISON

Specifications

The better numeric value is highlighted in green, taking the metric direction into account.

The Specifications section compares Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus and Core i3-12100E with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

SpecificationCore Ultra 5 250KF PlusCore i3-12100E
Release statuscancelled
Release date20242021
Device classDesktopDesktop
PassMark51259Better14250
PBP / MTP125 / 159 WBetter60 / 89 W
Cores / Threads6P+12E / 18Better4P / 8
SocketLGA1851BetterLGA1700
ArchitectureArrow Lake RefreshAlder Lake
Clock speedP 4,2 - 5,3 GHz / E 3,3 - 4,6 GHzBetterP 3,3 - 4,3 GHz
Base clock4200 MHzBetter3300 MHz
Boost clock5300 MHzBetter4300 MHz
L1 cache112 KB per P-core, 96 KB per E-coreBetter80 KB per P-core, 96 KB per E-core
L2 cache3 MB per P-core, 4 MB per E-core clusterBetter1.25 MB per P-core, 2 MB per E-core cluster
L3 cache30 MBBetter12 MB
Power consumption125 / 159 W60 / 89 WBetter
Process node3 nmBetter10 nm (Intel 7)
Memory supportDDR5-7200DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200
Integrated graphicsUHD 730 1,4 GHz
HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX

H2H workload indices

Comparable internal indices on a fixed 0–100 scale.

The Benchmarks section compares Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus and Core i3-12100E with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

IndexCore Ultra 5 250KF PlusCore i3-12100EDifference
H2H Single-core IndexH2H Index / 100887220%
H2H Multi-core IndexH2H Index / 1005614120%
H2H Productivity IndexH2H Index / 100572965%
H2H Rendering IndexH2H Index / 1004512116%
H2H Value IndexH2H Index / 100000%

These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.

HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX

H2H AI workload indices

Estimated workload profiles based on available performance and memory data.

The Detailed comparison section compares Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus and Core i3-12100E with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

IndexCore Ultra 5 250KF PlusCore i3-12100EDifference
H2H ML Preprocessing IndexH2H Index / 100236117%
H2H CPU Inference IndexH2H Index / 100267115%
H2H Local LLM CPU IndexH2H Index / 100195117%
H2H Data Pipeline IndexH2H Index / 100277118%
H2H Computer Vision CPU IndexH2H Index / 100257113%

These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.

AI EXPLAIN · HEAD TO HEAD

Explain this comparison

Beyond percentages: causes, relevant specifications, and practical impact behind every chart.

Device ACore Ultra 5 250KF Plus31
Device BCore i3-12100E10
What AI will explain

Overall score, radar, FPS, synthetic tests, specifications, efficiency, and value.

REAL CONFIGURATIONS

Owner experiences

Real builds, results, and community feedback.

Moderator reviewedHelpful to the community🏅Expert badges
FAQ · CHOOSE BY USE CASE

Frequently asked comparison questions

Short recommendations based on performance, memory, power consumption, and intended use.

01Which is better for gaming: Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus or Core i3-12100E?

Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has the higher overall gaming score, while Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus offers the better price-to-performance ratio. The final choice depends on resolution and settings.

02Which is better for streaming?

Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is the stronger streaming choice thanks to performance, hardware encoding, and application support. Check AV1, H.264, and HEVC support before buying.

03Which is better for Blender?

Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is generally the better option for Blender and GPU rendering. Rendering-engine support and available VRAM also matter.

04Which is better for video editing?

Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus offers more overall performance, while Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus offers more memory headroom. Codecs, hardware encoders, and editor optimization can change the result.

05Which is better for neural networks and AI?

Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is the more practical option for local AI workloads. VRAM capacity, compute libraries, and framework compatibility are especially important.

06Which is better for 1080p?

Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is the most rational 1080p choice, where high frame rates and cost per frame matter most.

07Which is better for 1440p?

Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus leads in combined 1440p performance. Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus can be preferable for heavy textures and games with high VRAM usage.

08Which is better for 4K?

Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is preferable for 4K, where total performance, memory bandwidth, and VRAM capacity have the greatest impact.

09Which is better for a quiet PC?

Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is easier to use in a quiet build because of its lower estimated power and thermal load. Actual noise depends on the specific cooler.

10Which is better without replacing the power supply?

Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is the safer candidate because its stated power consumption is lower. Verify PSU wattage, age, and power connectors.

11Is it worth upgrading from the previous generation?

Consider upgrading to Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus if your current device no longer delivers the required FPS, memory capacity, or feature support. A gain below 15–20% is usually worth waiting for a price cut.